Built In The Bush
Built in the Bush is a heartfelt and inspiring podcast that celebrates resilience, adaptability, and success stories shaped by life in rural Australia. Hosted by Tanya Atkinson, the podcast explores the unique journeys of individuals who have built the careers and businesses of their dreams and how their experiences growing up in the bush prepared them for it.
Each episode dives deep into candid conversations with guests from diverse industries, uncovering their most successful failures and other challenges that were pivotal in redefining their paths. From tales of perseverance and career breakthroughs to reflections on family, mental health, and the importance of community, Built in the Bush offers listeners valuable insights and uplifting stories about finding purpose and thriving against the odds.
You don't have to have grown up in the bush, to be inspired by the authentic and personal stories from those that are living their dreams.
Built In The Bush
Episode 5 - From the Bush to the Big Leagues and Back: The Story of Keiron Lander
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In this deeply moving and powerful episode, host Tanya Atkinson sits down with Keiron Lander—former professional rugby league player turned community leader and changemaker. From his energetic childhood in Quilpie to captaining the Ipswich Jets and leading Indigenous employment initiatives, Keiron’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and purpose.
He opens up about the challenges of growing up in foster care, navigating professional sport, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding his calling in giving back to others—especially young Indigenous Australians.
Now serving as Head of Indigenous Impact at Young Guns Crew, Keiron builds life-changing employment pathways for marginalized youth. His insights into culture, leadership, and the power of belonging will inspire anyone questioning their path or purpose.
This episode is rich with honesty, laughter, hard-earned wisdom, and hope—perfect for listeners craving a raw, real, and uplifting story about what it truly means to be built in the bush.
🔍 Episode Breakdown:
00:00 – 05:00
Introduction to the podcast and Tanya’s personal connection to Keiron from childhood in Quilpie.
05:00 – 15:00
Keiron shares his upbringing—being raised by his grandmother, connections to Indigenous culture, early life in Western Queensland, and discovering sport as an outlet.
15:00 – 30:00
Education as a vehicle for opportunity: Keiron’s boarding school journey, challenges with learning, and the support network that got him through.
30:00 – 45:00
Chasing the rugby dream: From the Reds and Broncos to heartbreak, injuries, and mental health struggles. Keiron opens up about the realities behind professional sport and moments of disillusionment.
45:00 – 60:00
Finding purpose beyond sport: Leading the Ipswich Jets to victory, discovering community leadership, and transitioning to his next chapter in life.
60:00 – 75:00
Keiron’s work with Young Guns Crew—creating job pathways for Indigenous youth, rethinking education, and the importance of strong cultural foundations in work and life.
75:00 – 85:00
The role of family, personal growth, and what keeps Keiron going. Insights on burnout, mental health, resilience, and what the bush—and the rest of Australia—needs most.
85:00 – 90:00
Rapid-fire wrap-up: What his younger self would say today, his go-to recharge strategy, and a call to action for businesses to help create change, one young person at a time.
💡 Why You Should Listen:
This episode is for anyone passionate about community, youth development, Indigenous empowerment, or simply in need of a powerful story of personal transformation. Keiron Lander’s humility, humour, and honesty will leave you inspired to lead with heart, give back, and believe in the power of connection.
🔗 Perfect for listeners who love:
Real stories of resilience | Indigenous leadership | Rural Australia | Rugby league | Social impact | Coaching and mentorship
